Congratulations to our Chairman, Ian Watson OBE

We would like to offer our congratulations to our Chairman, Ian Watson, who was awarded the OBE for Services to Philanthropy and Charity in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022.

The Investiture took place recently at Windsor Castle and Ian was presented his award by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. Ian’s wife Claire and his three sons were also present for the very special event.

Ian has been involved in philanthropic endeavours for more than 20 years, starting with involvement as a member of the Marie Curie Development Board, and with the charity World Vision. 

Ian launched his own family charity, the Watson Family Charitable Trust, seven years ago with his wife and their sons, together with family friend and lawyer Hugh Welch. The Charity has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds in grants for causes across the North East and beyond, including helping to complete a holiday respite centre for children in Northumberland.

The Trust has also been involved in the renovation of an Orphanage in Uganda – a project which Ian and Hugh were delighted to visit, and which the Trust continues to support.

Closer to home, the Trust developed and built a Garden Café within the Whickham Community Garden, and this has proved to be a welcome place for locals to enjoy.

Ian said: “It was a very special day, made all the more special by being able to enjoy it with my family. I feel extremely humbled and proud to have been awarded this Honour.”